AgileBits has released new details on 1Password 4 (via Macworld), the next major update to its popular password managing software 1Password. The forthcoming update, which follows the 1Password 4 update for iOS earlier this year, includes features such as iCloud syncing, the ability to tag items as favorites, and support for multiple accounts on a single website. New options and fields such as loyalty programs and drivers licenses are being added, and custom fields for login and data items will be supported.

1Password 4 also includes security features such as the ability to send information from the program between iOS and Mac through encrypted iMessage and emails, the ability to see duplicate passwords and passwords strengths, and a stability overhaul with the program’s browser extension being written in Cocoa to allow for unified compatibility on all major browsers.

1Password 4 is expected to be released this fall, and will be free to users who have already purchased 1Password 3 from the Mac App Store. Users who bought 1Password 3 through AgileBits website on or after January 1, 2013 will also receive the upgrade for free, while pricing for new customers is yet to be determined.

Top Rated Comments

Is there any major reason to buy this, over using the upcoming iCloud Keychain?

I think there are still a few reasons still to use 1Password.

Do you use Windows or want to view your passwords in browser on other OS's?
Do you trust Apples iCloud to keep your passwords secure (1password by default stores everything locally)?
Would you rather use Dropbox to sync?
How about storing files securely, or having a dedicated place for secure notes, other personal information, software keys etc...
You can easily backup, restore and merge the 1Password file store.

Is there any major reason to buy this, over using the upcoming iCloud Keychain?

There are actually 3 major reasons that come to mind to use 1Password or similar programs:[LIST=1]
[*]These applications store information that doesn't "fit" on the iCloud Keychain including:[LIST][*]Serial Numbers, especially for things you take out of your home like portable electronics and camera gear.
[*]Combinations for locks
[*]Software registration keys
[*]etc[/LIST]
[*]Cross platform compatibility (not just Macs and iOS devices)
[*]The easy ability to look up information on your iOS device when you are at a computer that isn't yours.
[/LIST]

I'm glad it's going to be a free upgrade for 1Password 3 users. I bought ver 3 when it was heavily discounted during the launch of the MAS; it's regular price, as good as the app is, is quite steep IMO.

...however, I do love 1Password's ability to generate passwords with a large array of options. For example, my Facebook password has 256 random characters and symbols. Does anyone know if Keychain in the Cloud offer such ability? I do recall during WWDC that it would help suggest passwords to use but not sure the extent of the password generating.

The reason why it's so expensive is due to the licensing for all the encryptions used in the app, which are not cheap, in addition to the size of the company, and the development time.

The main hurdle for all password app, like 1Password is the fact that most country has huge restrictions on export of cryptography, with United States being one of the strictest. Since Agilebits is a Canadian company, they are bound by Canadian export laws in terms of cryptography:

Obtaining the permit for export in cryptography is not cheap. In fact, it's pretty expensive when you factor in lawyers, fees, etc. This also leads to development time for the app being increased, since there are waiting periods for obtaining the permit. This means you have to pay the developers more money for extra hours spent on making the app.

Add all those factors together, and making a very simple password app management app, such as 1Password suddenly becomes very expensive.

Size of the company also factors into the price. Agilebits is a small, indie software company. LastPass is very large company with multiple backing from several corporation. That's why they are able to offer the app for free, and AgileBits charging for higher price. In general practice, Indie software company tends to deliver higher quality product.

The reason why it's so expensive is due to the licensing for all the encryptions used in the app, which are not cheap, in addition to the size of the company, and the development time.

The main hurdle for all password app, like 1Password is the fact that most country has huge restrictions on export of cryptography, with United States being one of the strictest. Since Agilebits is a Canadian company, they are bound by Canadian export laws in terms of cryptography:

Obtaining the permit for export in cryptography is not cheap. In fact, it's pretty expensive when you factor in lawyers, fees, etc. This also leads to development time for the app being increased, since there are waiting periods for obtaining the permit. This means you have to pay the developers more money for extra hours spent on making the app.

Add all those factors together, and making a very simple password app management app, such as 1Password suddenly becomes very expensive.

Size of the company also factors into the price. Agilebits is a small, indie software company. LastPass is very large company with multiple backing from several corporation. That's why they are able to offer the app for free, and AgileBits charging for higher price. In general practice, Indie software company tends to deliver higher quality product.

I'm confused. First you say that they have to pay developers but then you say that they are a small company.

Maybe the problem is that their staff is too bloated? Maybe they did not take the time to figure out their business model properly? Why should I, as a Canadian pay for export fees to other countries? Shouldn't the price of the app differ per country?

I bought the desktop version and the iOS version but now they want me to pay again for another release? No.

I should have a right to complain about the price especially considering how much I paid previously.

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